“There is no reason, either theoretically or based upon any evidence, to recommend oil pulling instead of standard modern health care with flossing, tooth-brushing, and mouth rinse. However, it does appear to be better than nothing, and might have a role in developing countries without access to modern oral care. The one caveat is that extended periods of swishing that are commonly recommended (10-20 minutes) are likely not necessary and further present a risk of lipoid pneumonia from accidentally breathing in small amounts of oil.”

Skeptoid’s Brian Dunning also has a great breakdown of this issue with some great references that you can find here.